Judge Upholds AZ Denying Licenses to Illegal Immigrants

By JACQUES BILLEAUD
Associated Press
PHOENIX
A judge has refused to halt Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s policy denying driver’s licenses for young immigrants who have gotten work permits and avoided deportation under an Obama administration policy.

The decision Thursday by U.S. District Judge David Campbell rejects the argument by immigrant rights advocates who say her policy is unconstitutional because it’s trumped by federal law.

Last summer, the Obama administration took steps to shield thousands of young immigrants from deportation.

Arizona’s refusal to view those in the deferral program as legal residents has become the most visible challenge to the program the president announced in June.

Brewer’s lawyers asked for the lawsuit challenging her policy to be dismissed.

The judge dismissed one claim, but another remains alive.

Photo: Gage Skidmore